Settlers, pioneers, miners, railroad workers - all lay claim to the vibrant history of the Kootenay Rockies.
The Revelstoke Railway Museum pays tribute to the railway workers that built the most treacherous section of Canada's first transcontinental railway, while the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel relives the glory days of rail travel.
Learn about the pioneering practices, arts and crafts, distinctive customs and unique religion of the Doukhobors at their namesake museum. You can also experience the living history of Rossland through a tour of the legendary Le Roi Gold Mine.
One of the most significant preserved steam-passenger vessels in North America, the S.S. Moyie was the last operating passenger sternwheeler in Canada.
Doukhobor Discovery Centre
The Doukhobors immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1898, bringing their unique culture and religion to the Kootenays from 1908 to 1938.
Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River in Castlegar, the museum sits on traditional Doukhobor orchard land. Here, close to the original settlement, you can learn about this fascinating group.
S.S. Moyie
The last operating passenger sternwheeler in Canada, S.S. Moyie is dry docked in Kaslo. It is one of the most significant preserved steam passenger vessels in North America.
Take a self-guided tour to view the ship's dining saloon and pilot house. Mechanical buffs love the engine room: the pumps, dynamo and engines are shining examples of the 19th-century steam technology.
Canadian Museum of Rail Travel
The Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, stationed in downtown Cranbrook, is where you'll find the only complete set of cars from the luxurious "Trans-Canada Limited". Other highlights include two cars from the elegant "Soo-Spokane Train De Luxe" and the 91-tonne (101-ton) "Strathcona" executive night car, designed for use by the CPR Board of Directors and their guests.
Rossland Historical Museum
Experience living history at the Rossland Historical Museum. A guided walking tour of the legendary Le Roi Gold Mine - Canada's only hard-rock gold mine open to the public - is a must.
The life of Rossland pioneers is also faithfully recreated here. Visit a parlour room, walk through cramped kitchen quarters, visit the town's general store and see the historic fittings from the Rossland Post Office.